PRESS IN SUB- CONTINENT
DURING AND AFTER 1857
Main reasons of Muslim
nationalism in India after 1857
 Unfavourable attitude of English ruling class towards
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Muslims as they regarded the Muslims the mainspring of
rebellion.
Low public representation.
Negation of Modern Higher education by the Muslims out
of both frustration and hatred, both on religious and
cultural grounds.
Clash of different economic, financial, administrative, legal
and education systems.
Vernacular press in different languages founded to
represent the sentiments of masses.
The increasing role of Indian (mostly Hindus) educated and
commercial classes in the public life in the country.
Censorship & Control
 1801 – 1818; Strict censorship – John Adam head of
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censorship department.
Lord Hastings established censorship department and
restored some liberties.
Bengal was the first to take the lead in publishing
papers in Indian languages.
Hastings resigned in 1823, John Adam took the
charge and enforced the Press Ordinance.
1828; Lord Bentinek appointed new Governer
General of India. Great supporter of Press Freedom.
1835; Year of Balanced Policy.
Growth & Role of Muslim Press before and
during War of Independence
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1822
1822
1831
1831
1835
1835
1836
1837
1841
1841
1844
1845
1845
1847
1851
1856
Calcutta
Calcutta
Calcutta
Calcutta
Ludiana
Calcutta
Delhi
Agra
Bombay
Delhi
Delhi
Madras
Agra
Lucknow
Jam e Jaha Numa
Marat ul Akhbar
Ain e Sikandari
Mah e Alam Afroz
Ludiana Akhbar
Sultan ul Akhbar
Urdu Akhbar
Zubdet ul Akhbar
Siraj ul Akhbar
Ahsan ul Akhbar
Sadiq ul Akhbar
Karim ul Akhbar
Umdad ul Akhbar
Asad ul Akhbar
Gulsahan e Naubar
Tilisim e Lucknow
Munshi Sada Sukh
Raja ram Mohan Rai
Maulvi Siraj ud din Ahmad
Wahaj ud din
Rajab Ali Lakhnawi
Maulvi M Baqir
Maulvi syed M Khan
Syed Awlaad Ali
Jamil ud din Khan
Abdul Qadir
Maulvi Yaqoob Ansari
Significant factors of Progress of Urdu
Journalism
 In 1830, East India Company declared Urdu the
official language of small government institutions
and court of law.
 In 1836 Lithotype was introduced which was both
attractive and inexpensive.
Urdu Akhbar
 First page of the newspaper was used for the
publication of the activities of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
 Movement and actions of British and other
residents were included.
 News from Delhi had a special emphasis.
 Opinion and comments were given at the end of
News.
 War reporting and coverage was made actively.
 Contents were then filled with English sentiment.
Sadiq ul Akhbar
 Took active part in revolting people against
government.
 Highly anti Britain coverage “Iran-Britain War”.
 Covered court trail of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
 Popular in society.
 Published fatwas.
Sultan ul Akhbar
 Criticism on the policies of East India Company.
 Text of Delhi proclamation.
 Covered and commented on William Frasiers
murder, the paper published proceedings of
court, refused to accept verdict of court and
termed the death sentence of nawab Shamas ud
din as Murder.
Facts about Urdu newspapers
 50 cents was the cost.
 Literacy rate was considerably low.
 At least 40 customers were required to make the
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publication an independent weekly.
Regional, national and international news.
Emphasis on educational reforms.
Editorials were not included. Where necessary notes
and comments were given at the end of column
along with editors suggestions and interpretations.
Hand made pictures given.
No definite order or sequence was followed.
Facts about Urdu newspapers
 Highest circulation 150 / day.
 Lowest circulation 27 / day.
 Average of newspapers 50 / day.
Kohe e Noor Newspaper
 Urdu newspaper from Lahore by Munshi Har
Sukh Rai, launched in 1850.
 It was a govt. newspaper supported by the British.
 Excellent quality.
 Contained educative material.
After 1857: Sir Syed Ahnad Khan
Tehzeeb ul Akhlaq: 1870 – 1877
 Scientific Society magazine (continued for three decades).
 Introducing new spirit of Islam.
 Representation of Islam in Rational and Scientific
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perspective.
Adoption of modern technology.
Transformation of lives of Muslims in accordance with
Islam.
Formation of Muslim Public opinion & sentiment.
Sir Syed also visited London to take a closer look at the
British way of life.
Tried to remove ignorance and false opinions and ideas
in the Muslim mindset.
He also had journalistic experience as he used to manage
Syed ul Akhbar.
Risala e Asbab e Baghawat e Hind.
 Economic suppression.
 New administrative setup (Dissolution of native
darbars & disbandment of princely states).
 Intrusion into Religious affairs.
 British govt. failed to provide channel & means
of communication to listen to grievances.
 Deprived of high administrative ranks.
Scientific Society Magazine - 1866
 Authentication of News sources along with their
historical perspective.
 Cautious in criticism.
 Content based on Social, Moral, Cultural,
Educational, Political and Economic topics.
 Results:
 Gathered a lot of attention.
 Had a significant impact on Muslim way of
thinking.
Pamphlet; The Loyal Mohammadan’s
of India – Social Reformer
 Policy of social compromise.
 Pointed out the events & incidents in which Muslims
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saved the lives of British Nationals.
Removed misunderstandings.
Encouraged active participation of youth.
Restored the confidence of the Muslims.
Importance of brotherhood, national identity,
Islamic unity & Nationhood.
Importance of preservation of cultural heritage.
Muslim scholars were persuaded by Sir Syed to
contribute their work and research.
Enriched aspects of Urdu Literature.